What is the difference between primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols?
1 Answer
Mar 23, 2016
The alcohol contains functional group -OH.
You have to check for the hydroxy carbon i.e. the carbon to which this -OH is bonded to.
If the hydroxy carbon is bonded to only one carbon, then it is called as primary alcohol. Eg.
If the hydroxy carbon is bonded to two carbons, then it is called as secondary alcohol. Eg.
If the hydroxy carbon is bonded to three carbons, then it is called as tertiary alcohol. Eg.
Note : you do not look for the OH bonded with number of carbons. you look for the hydroxy carbon bonded to number of carbons.